PAWS Chicago reaches out to help Moore, Oklahoma’s homeless pets

by used view

Chicago, Ill. — When disasters strike, like the tornado that ravaged Moore, Oklahoma, animal shelters are inundated with lost pets. Their natural response is to try to keep them as long as possible for their families to find. But what happens to the homeless animals that were already in the shelter before the disaster hit? Many times they are killed to make room for the new arrivals. Such was the danger for 76 cats and dogs in Oklahoma City’s Animal Care & Control (OACC) before PAWS Chicago stepped in.

This past weekend 17 volunteers made the 1600 mile round trip to rescue 51 dogs and 25 cats at risk of being killed. This helped make room for incoming pets that will be held for 30 days by OACC to give their families time to find them.

It was a whirlwind trip for the volunteers and their charges. Once they arrived, the animals were taken to PAW’s Chicago’s Rescue & Recovery Center, where they were given medical care, microchips, vaccinations, and spayed/neutered. While some of the rescued pets were immediately ready for adoption, many required additional treatment for pre-existing medical conditions including upper respiratory infections, pneumonia, heart worm, broken bones and dental problems. Please consider donating to PAWS Chicago to help pay for their medical bills.

29 of the adoption-ready dogs found new forever homes on Memorial Day. Six of them are still available in the Adoption Center–dogs like Bianca, an amiable, 3-year-old Curly-coated Retriever. Bianca has already made many human and canine friends, says Sarah Ahlberg, PR Manager & Development Liaison for PAWS Chicago:

In the wake of the tornado, her owner who could no longer care for her and surrendered Bianca to the shelter on May 24th. Just one day later, Bianca was on her way to Chicago…. [She] has adjusted … quite well, and spends her days visiting with volunteers, taking naps, and playing with her canine roommates. [She] is fantastic with people of all ages, including children! … Bianca seems to be house-trained and is well-mannered on a leash. She loves treats and just learned to ‘sit’. Now Bianca is ready to complete her journey by finding a loving forever home!

PAWS is hoping to adopt its first Oklahoma cat soon but it’s stiff competition for these young adults with so many kittens around. There are many advantages to adopting an adult cat. While kittens are cute and playful, they’re also a whirlwind of activity and can be quite destructive when left alone for many hours at a time. Cats, on the other hand, are the perfect combination of mellow and playful. Most will chase after a laser pointer, dangling toy, or catnip ‘mouse’ but are perfectly content to snooze while you’re away working. Adult cats are also much more cuddly than their younger counterparts and are perfectly happy to relax next to you on the couch or in your lap while you read or watch TV.

8 cats from Oklahoma are still in the Adoption Center waiting to find their new permanent home. Cats like Benjamin, who Ahlberg describes as “a beautiful boy who was found wandering the streets of Oklahoma, wondering where and when his next meal would be.” She adds:

We’ll never know the exact reason that landed Benjamin on the streets but he surely grew up in a home because it shows in his easy, trusting personality. He purrs from the moment you pick him up. He obviously wasn’t shaken by his recent ordeal because he is an affectionate, outgoing cat. He gets along with fellow felines, so please consider adopting him with a friend! Benjamin is truly is an awesome cat that would be a wonderful life-long companion.

If you would like to adopt Bianca, Benjamin, or any other pet from PAWS Chicago, please call 773-935-PAWS, visit www.pawschicago.org, email adoptions@pawschicago.org or stop by the PAWS Chicago Adoption & Humane Center located at 1997 N. Clybourn Avenue.

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